This item is a hand-painted Russian lacquer box traditionally crafted in Fedoskino, a famous village located just north of Moscow, Russia
Fedoskino is recognized as the oldest center of Russian lacquer miniature painting, operating since the late 18th century. Unlike the other three major lacquer box centers in Russia (Palekh, Kholuy, and Mstera), which use egg tempera paint and evolved from icon-painting traditions, Fedoskino artists paint using multi-layered oil paints. This specific method results in a distinctive three-dimensional depth, realistic shadowing, and vivid lifelike textures.
The physical box itself is expertly formed from papier-mâché, boiled in linseed oil, and baked at high temperatures to achieve a material that is surprisingly light yet as durable and rigid as wood. The outer shell is coated in a polished black lacquer, while the inside of these boxes traditionally features a bright red or dark lacquer lining.
4" 3" x 1 1/2"Â